Meet Rob Morgan of Summit Design Company in Smyrna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Morgan.

Rob, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started off in home remodeling in my early 20s. I always preferred working outside or away from an office or corporate setting. I have always wanted to be moving. I graduated college from Kennesaw State University and interviewed with several companies but I didn’t feel comfortable in any position I went for. Ultimately I fell back into home building. Everything seemed to be on track career-wise and then 2008 housing market hit me and the company I worked for very hard. I ended up being let go and caught on at a very high-end luxury cabinetry and furniture company. I was scared to death of the machinery they had. It was all industrial quality tools. The kind that would cut your fingers off before you felt anything.

I didn’t let that dissuade me from learning. I was overqualified for what they hired me for but I didn’t care because I wanted to learn how to make what they were making. I eventually got more and more comfortable and became fast friends with two guys in the shop. After a year we decided to try doing things for ourselves and slowly started taking on a small job here and there. We were terrible salesmen in the beginning. I would give away work just to get pictures. Eventually, we all split and went different directions. It took me a little longer to get my solo business going because I was scared to take the risk alone. Taking so long to fully dive in is one of my biggest regrets. The reason being is that fear is an incredible motivator. I honestly didn’t realize my own potential or I would have.

Within six months I went from working out of my house, then to a loyal friends basement, to a real shop. We are working out of 3500 sq ft in the heart of Smyrna a mile from the Braves stadium. I’ve been extremely blessed to have grown up in this area. Atlanta has been part of setting the trends for this industry. Some of the best designers and builders: makers live within 20 miles. I would put this area up against anywhere in the country as far as talent and style. IlWe work on residential and commercial projects. Currently working all over Atlanta as far north as Milton Ga. We also have commercial projects downtown on the Beltline that we are really excited to be a part of. What I enjoy most is collaborating with others and coming up with new ideas and bringing them to life.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
2008 was interesting because it really set my career back due to the housing market crash but also introduced me to building furniture. It really did take close to 10 years for the market to rebound. This career field is not easy. Higher end furniture means you have to hold yourself to a higher standard. If you mess up, you have to be willing to start over from scratch and I have made plenty of mistakes. I would say this job is just one steady stream of obstacles. But I enjoy figuring out problems. You have to have a passion for creating and building and be willing to suffer for a bit in order to find your niche.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Summit Design Company LLC – what should we know?
We are a very custom cabinetry/furniture design-build firm. We don’t do anything basic. We will do full kitchens and also do a single custom table. I would say our specialty is the customization we offer. We can mix and match colors and mix and match all types of styles from modern to farmhouse. If you can’t find it anywhere else come to us and we will make it for you. I’m proud of our passion for the product. We want you to have what you want. So I’m laser-focused on serving our clients and giving them exactly what they want. They came to us for a reason and I want to hold that trust in the highest regard.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would say work ethic and seeking constant improvement. I will continue to take advice and seek new ways doing things. I think you have to be a lifelong learner. Talk to others who are where you want to be and also help those who are trying to get where you are. I didn’t get here alone and I’m more than happy to speak with others that are trying to do what I’m doing.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1701 Spring Street
  Smyrna Ga 30080 Appt only please.
• Website: Summitdesignco.com
• Phone: 404-391-5825
• Email: summitdesignatl@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Summit.designco

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